Authorities in North Macedonia have arrested seven suspects in connection with an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in the capital Skopje, in what officials say may be the first antisemitic incident of its kind in the country since World War Two.
The attack targeted the Beth Yaakov Synagogue, the only synagogue in the country, in mid-April. Images shared on social media showed damage to the entrance and courtyard caused by fire.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he had been informed by his North Macedonian counterpart Timko Mocinski that the suspects would be prosecuted.
Sa’ar welcomed what he described as a swift response by authorities, thanking the government for its handling of the incident.
Small Jewish community
North Macedonia has a small Jewish population of around 200 people, most of whom live in Skopje.
Before the Holocaust, the country had a much larger Jewish community, with thousands living in cities such as Bitola and Skopje, and several synagogues across the country.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not publicly disclosed details about the suspects or their motives, but officials have indicated the case is being treated as a serious criminal act with potential hate crime elements.
The incident has raised concern among international observers and Jewish organizations, given the rarity of antisemitic attacks in the country in recent decades.
Officials say legal proceedings against the suspects are expected to move forward in the coming period.